Draft’s QB crop learns from predecessors

West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith took a lesson from his predecessors as he watched this past NFL season unfold.

He saw the two hottest names in last year’s quarterback draft class live up to their pre-draft hyperbole and a third-rounder excel and take his team the furthest in the playoffs of the three.

“Those guys changed expectations for many quarterbacks, let alone rookies,” Smith said. “Those guys stepped right in … and were leaders most of all from day one. And that’s the one thing I took from it. No matter what age difference, where you come from, or what pick you are when you’re taken for that role as a quarterback in the NFL, you have to lead by example.”

<b><center>Geno Smith 6-3, 218, 4.56, West Virginia</b></center><br>
The best prospect at his position had size, speed and starting experience. Threw 42 touchdown passes and only six interceptions last season when he completed 71.2 percent. Gets rid of the ball fast. Accurate on short and intermediate routs. Played in the shotgun so must work on direct snaps. Must improve overall mechanics. Needs to develop touch on the deep ball. Should go in the top half of the first round. less

<b><center>Geno Smith 6-3, 218, 4.56, West Virginia</b></center><br>
The best prospect at his position had size, speed and starting experience. Threw 42 touchdown passes and only six interceptions last season ... more

Photo: Christopher Jackson / Associated Press

Image 2 of 12

<b><center>Matt Barkley, 6-2, 227, 4.93, USC</b></center><br>
If he had come out after his junior year, he would have been a top-10 pick. Now some think he might not go in the first round. Has experience in a pro-style offense. Confident in pocket. Makes good decisions. Goes through progressions. Throws well sliding to right or left. Isn’t much of a threat to gain yards running. Needs to improve on his deep ball. Could be the second quarterback taken or could fall out of first round. less

<b><center>Matt Barkley, 6-2, 227, 4.93, USC</b></center><br>
If he had come out after his junior year, he would have been a top-10 pick. Now some think he might not go in the first round. Has experience in a ... more

Photo: Marcio Jose Sanchez / Associated Press

Image 3 of 12

<b><center>E.J. Manuel, 6-5, 237, 4.59, Florida State</b></center><br>
Improved his stock in the postseason. Terrific size and good speed. Compiled a 25-6 record as a starter. Intelligent player who excelled in the classroom. Impressive team leader. Impressive release. Throws tight spiral. There’s not a throw he can’t make. A tough player who’ll run over defenders. He could in the first round but might last until the second. less

<b><center>E.J. Manuel, 6-5, 237, 4.59, Florida State</b></center><br>
Improved his stock in the postseason. Terrific size and good speed. Compiled a 25-6 record as a starter. Intelligent player who excelled ... more

Photo: Streeter Lecka / Getty Images

Image 4 of 12

<b><center>Ryan Nassib, 6-2, 227, 4.95, Syracuse</b></center><br>
Three-year starter who throws a tight spiral. Has good enough arm strength to fire ball into tight situations. Highly intelligent player who’s a team leader. Excelled in come- from-behind situations. Accurate on move. Works hard to improve. Needs to protect ball better in the pocket. Must improve reads and not force throws. Needs to become more consistent. Should go high in the second round. less

<b><center>Sleeper</b></center><br>
Zac Dysert, 6-3, 227, 4.83, Miami, Ohio</b></center><br>
Dynamic team leader and three-time team captain who broke Ben Roethlisberger’s career passing record, despite playing for three head coaches and five quarterback coaches. Smooth, quick release. Nice touch on deep routes. Must improve some mechanics and become more consistent. Should go in the fourth or fifth round. less

<b><center>Quick shots<br>Collin Klein (6-2, 226) of Kansas State</b></center> led the Wildcats to the No. 1 ranking at one point last season but is viewed more as an H-back prospect rather than quarterback. less

<b><center>Quick shots<br>Collin Klein (6-2, 226) of Kansas State</b></center> led the Wildcats to the No. 1 ranking at one point last season but is viewed more as an H-back prospect rather than ... more